The GD thread for the GD Ladies

[CherLW]

Just a little group for the ladies with GD to talk, ask all the questions and be there for each other

@Moominmiss I started on 2 units about 7 weeks ago and it's being increasing since then, and my levels are still not under control for fasting. In fact after a very night of hardly any sleep and lots of discomfort this mornings was my highest at 6.2!!

So tonight I need to up to 21 units.

@Bubbles1st right ok. So me starting on 2 units only 2 weeks ago, and now being on 5 units seems pretty standard.

Do you just up it yourself or do you wait for the diabetic team to tell you to up the dose?

@Moominmiss, I'm 34+5.
Diagnosed with GD at 26 weeks, started insulin soon after. Started on 8 units (which they said was a low dose) and was told to increase it to 10 after 2 nights if fasting level hadn't decreased. Did that and immediately saw the fasting level go below 5.3. Stayed below target until this last week and they'll discuss an increase with me at my appointment on Thursday. I only increase as they tell me to.

Regarding birth, they told me they want baby out between 38 and 39 weeks as I'm on insulin. They suggested induction but I want to avoid an early induction and want to be closer to 39 weeks so I'm booked in for an elective c-section for 38+6. They are happy with that as its before 39.

How many weeks are you?

They've been happy with my levels until now. They say having some slightly higher isn't a problem. Will see what they say about my insulin on Thursday.

I'm also worried about baby. I feel so much is unknown and even the growth scans aren't 100% accurate so it is difficult.

You said baby is going to be poorly... have they told you this? I know of others who've given birth with GD and babies have been fine. I'm worried about the risks too and it's upsetting but just wondered if you've been told something already? Xx

@Bubbles1st, I didn't sleep well at all last night. Pretty breathless and uncomfortable. So frustrating as I'm so tired! Xx

Morning Ladies. Thank you for replying re hip pain. I'm 32 weeks. With my GD. I am losing motivation to eat well. It can still be diet controlled. I end up eating something stupid in the evenings that gives me like a 9.1 reading. But the rest are OK in the day? I've got growth scan this Friday too so will ask my MW if babys size and well being is affected and how much. Its always good to share knowledge from different trusts and experts and we can compare. I think once my numbers are all in range for the day I need to eat same thing for a week! That's the only way I'll get through this. Need a routine. I do keep a food diary too. So plan what I'm doing. What's everyone doing in these last few weeks? I've just got a little baby washing to do and pack last toiletries. I'm trying to keep baby in as long as possible but I don't think I'll get past another 3 weeks. I'm 32 now. Its because I have other medical issues. Not GD related. So that'll be some stay in Nicu I think. Anyone else giving birth at 35 or 36 weeks? The carpet man is coming to steam clean carpets Friday and I'm having a tidy up to get house ready. Have a lovely day everyone xx

@AdventuresAwait thank you for all the info. It’s really helpful. I wonder why they only started on on 2 units of insulin. Seems so low in comparison to the 8 units they started you on.

I was started on insulin at 31 weeks (diagnosis at 28 weeks), and am now 33 weeks and had the dose upped.

This morning my fasting reading was 5.9, so definitely high but will wait to see what tomorrow’s is like. They’re pretty good at monitoring the app and contacting me so I’m sure if they want it upped again they’ll be in touch.

No, nobody has said baby is unwell or anything, he’s looked perfect at every scan so far and no indications that he’s not doing ok in there, but I just can’t help but worry that my GD, especially not being well managed, will cause him problems when he’s born.

You’ll have to come back and let us know how your appointment goes on Thursday and what they say about upping your dose.

@Moominmiss no I was left to increase myself, every 3 days of a high in the beginning by 1 unit then when I hit 11 units upping it every second day if needed by 2.

@Sillysocks998 reference trying to stay diet managed I was desperate for this to be the case but all that happened was I wasn't eating properly and was told that metformin would help enable me to eat properly. So whilst it sounds scary it is better for state of mind. Again yesterday when then added metformin to my evening meal it was because DP was there and basically throwing me under the bus for not eating properly for fear of a high reading and they said that absolutely shouldn't be the case that tolerance gets harder to manage as you get past 32 weeks and I'm not alone, it's very common, so take the meds and eat more normally.

@Moominmiss, I thought that might be what you meant but didn't want to assume. I understand, I feel the same worry about baby, especially her blood sugars when born. And her growth now. I keep trying to focus on what others have told me about how their babies had no problems at all to try and calm my fears but of course the worry is there. Just want her to be ok. Not long now so holding onto the excitement of meeting her!

There seems to be a difference between trusts on starting doses for insulin. My highest fasting level was 6.2 so I just went straight on 8 and then 10 to get them under 5.8 quickly. It seems a lot of things differ between trusts Xx

I agree with @Bubbles1st, I didn't want medication but actually feel I eat better now that my levels are more managed with it.

@Moominmiss, yes I'll update after my scan and consultant/diabetic team appointment on Thursday xx

@Bubbles1st that’s good that you know when to increase if needed. No need to wait for appointments or anyone to tell you what to do.

@AdventuresAwait I’m trying to stay calm too, but it’s so hard. My partner thinks I’m panicking over nothing but he sees the world with rose tinted glasses in every situation and I honestly don’t think he quite gets how serious GD is.

So does your fasting level only have to be below 5.8? Mine has to be below 5.3!

I’ve just had a text come through from the GDM team, saying they can see my reading this morning was still high after upping the insulin so if I get another high reading tomorrow then they want me to up to 7 from tomorrow night. So I guess now a waiting game to see what tomorrow’s reading looks like.

Definitely with you though on just wanting baby out and healthy so I know my body can’t do anything to make him unwell. I feel like these last weeks are going to drag though!

@Bubbles1st thanks hun. I'm really making an effort to eat well until my appointment on Friday. Will spk to Dr's then. I'm on loads of meds so didn't want anymore. Plus read for soome of you, you lost your appetite on metformin. I should really just wake up and do the right thing for baby. Find my willpower with food. I'm just home now so I've loads of time to think about food. 😭

@Sillysocks998 im at home the whole time too, i think that does make a difference, some days i feel I've got a good grip on things and sometimes I either have zero motivation or just aren't hungry for the things I should be eating. Eggs were my saviour at the start of this, but I'm down to one omelette a week because im just bored of them. I think if I was still working I wouldn't be thinking about it so much.

I've also added donuts to my hospital list of foods for after the birth, still craving baked goods!!!

@Scotti84 it is really hard. But I'll try harder. I don't think I have much longer too. For foods after hospital I haven't thought much about it lol. But think it'll be Mcdonalds fries, cakes, now donuts cos you've said it lol. Does GD instantly go away? Like in a day?

@Moominmiss, sorry yes 5.3!!

@Sillysocks998 the diabetic nurse told me it goes as soon as the placenta is delivered!

@AdventuresAwait awesome. That will be amazing. Ty x

@Sillysocks998 my readings have improved as I got to 36 weeks, need to ask at my appt on Thursday if that's normal, but looks like the placenta changes how it works about then as the baby is pretty much self sufficient, so there's maybe a bit of hope for you there too.

Mcdonalds is on my list too, I can tolerate chicken nuggets and fries atm, but I will be sending hubby for a big mac and strawberry milkshake! Anything cake like, a full fat cola, sushi and a cream cheese sandwich are also on the list!

@Scotti84 it's mad how we just want everything! I would also like just a chocolate bar like a cold kit kat crunchy lol. 😂🍫 To eat that and be so grateful lol. Well I'm 32 weeks and today's readings have been around 4. 7 to 6.1 so far. It'll just be low carb bread and pb for dinner. Cba to try and do anything fancy. And I bought those nature valley bars with some milk before bed. The placenta is pretty amazing. Good luck GD ladies xxx

@Sillysocks998 i think its that typical want what we can't have thing. Normally i can quite easily eat a plate of veg, chicken and couple of new potatos but now I need to eat that stuff it's just not appealing! You could maybe get away with one finger of a dark kit kat as a treat, but its it's willpower to not eat the rest. I was sucking a square of dark chocolate before bed as a choccy fix 🤣

Ladies can I just ask what your after dinner readings are that give you good fasting readings? I have been on Metformin for 6days now - first 3days my dinners were in the 5s and my fasting in range. Last 3days dinners in 6s and fasting out of range. I think I may have now discovered why my dinner la were in 6s because they’ve not been ‘bad’ choices but mainly salad with one slice of seeded bread or ryvita but I made the lemon cheesecake from the GD website and had it after lunch reading last 3 days and I’m wondering whether that has had an impact on my evening readings. Anyway I’m seeing my diabetic nurse and OB tmr so I’ll ask them too but I’ll resist upping my medication as I want to try what happens not eating a cheesecake but sticking to other friendly snacks. Curious about your after dinner readings which give you good fasting readings. Sorry about the long post xxx

Hi, I went for my first growth scan today.
The sonographer said baby is measuring fine.
Looking at the results my only question is the femur length it’s the only one that is to the far left of the scale.
I have an appointment over the phone tomorrow to discuss but wondered if anyone had any insights

@Sillysocks998 ouch that doesn’t sound good at all! I’ve had bad hips when it comes to sleeping for many weeks now but mine could definitely be worse. I usually just alternate sides and then if they are both in pain I wedge lots of pillows and end up sleeping sitting up!
I don’t even know if there is anything that can be done to help with it?

@Kona84 I have had similar for my growth scans… The first femur measurement was bigger than on my second growth scan! I think they said it was to do with his positioning and not being able to get an exact measurement.

I’ve got my growth scan, diabetic midwife and consultant tomorrow. I’m nervous as I know this will be when I hear if there is anything like time scales they want to work towards. I’m 35+4 today… still diet controlled, just want tomorrow to be done now!

@CherLW thank you. I sat up last night until I fell asleep then just lay down. I can feel the pain even when I'm asleep lightly 😭. I've got a u shape pillow but I can't get out of bed for a wee when I use it so I've put it in the other room!

@CherLW hope tomorrow goes well and you get some sleep tonight! Let us know how you get on.

@Sillysocks998 I’m the same, I sleep say up and then lay down again if I wake. I have a big pillow too and I now can’t get out of bed it near me 😂 I feel like a turtle on their back trying to get over it as my tired brain doesn’t think to lift it up! I hope the pain eases up for you soon, it’s definitely one of my worst pregnancy symptoms!

@Bubbles1st thank you, I’m hoping to get a good sleep.. I’ve got work in the morning and my appointment is at 2:30, I’m just hoping I have the same consultant as last time as he was so lovely and reassuring. I’ll keep you updated 😊

@CherLW all the best for tomorrow xx